Medical device for an athlete&#39;s digits

ABSTRACT

A medical device comprising a sheath that fits around at least a portion of the circumference of a finger, optionally comprising a pouch for retaining an insert, for supporting and protecting the finger.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This patent claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/530,756, filed Sep. 11, 2006 and titled MEDICALDEVICE FOR AN ATHLETE'S DIGITS.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to medical devices for the digits of athletes.

Football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, water polo, soccer, hockey,baseball, softball, golf, tennis, racquetball, table tennis, powerlifting, boxing, swimming, polo, lacrosse, gymnastics, track and fieldand other sports are widely played by many people. Because of thephysical nature of sports, finger and toe injuries are common. Toes canbe similarly injured, though the treatment options are typically morelimited.

Most people have fifteen finger bones in each hand. Referring to FIG. 1,there is shown the back 110 of a hand 100 of a typical person. The hand100 includes a pinky finger 120, a ring finger 130, a middle finger 140,a pointer finger 150 and a thumb 160. In turn, the pinky finger 120,ring finger 130, middle finger 140 and pointer finger 150 respectivelyhave a first digit (or phalange) 121, 131, 141, 151, a first knuckle (orjoint) 122, 132, 142, 152, a second digit 123, 133, 143, 153, a secondknuckle 124, 134, 144, 154 and a third digit 125, 135, 145, 155.

Each of the bones (not shown) within the fingers 120, 130, 140, 150 areconnected at the knuckles 122, 132, 142, 152, 124, 134, 144, 154 withligaments (not shown). Knuckles 122, 132, 142, 152, 124, 134, 144, 154are susceptible to sprains, strains, dislocations and ligament tearswhile playing sports.

The term jammed finger refers to an injured finger, due to injuries suchas compression, a sprain, a strain, or dislocation of one or more of thejoints. Jamming can result following impact with an opponent orteammate, sudden contact with a ball, a fall, or any sudden stretchingof a finger 120, 130, 140, 150. Falls onto hard, unyielding surfaces(for example, a basketball floor) can result in jams. It is also commonfor ligaments to tear near the joints when joints 122, 132, 142, 152,124, 134, 144, 154 become dislocated. Common treatments for a jammedfinger include taping an injured finger to an adjacent finger orsplinting a finger.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a medical devicecomprising tape having a first side with an adhesive surface and asecond side that has a frictional element or a plurality of frictionalelements. The frictional elements, which can be dots, can be arranged ona first side of a finger and not on a second side of the finger when thetape is wrapped around the finger, and/or can be arranged based on thesurface of a ball such as a basketball. The first side of the tape canalso have a hook fastener.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a medical devicecomprising a sheath adapted to fit around at least a portion of a fingerand be magnetically attachable and detachable to adjacent sheaths. Thesheath can have an outer surface including depressions that are adaptedto be fastened with a protrusion, and can have sufficient rigidity tonot bend about a knuckle of a finger when a person flexes the fingerabout the knuckle. In one preferred embodiment, the sheath includes aferrous material adapted to oxidize and thereby generate heat. Thesheath can also include a metal fiber loaded polymer, and/or ananti-bacterial agent.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a medical devicecomprising a cylindrical body having a geometry for fitting around atleast a portion of a finger and an attachment device selected from thegroup consisting of a tongue and a band, where the attachment device isintegral to the cylindrical geometry and is attached to a cylindricalbody of another medical device. In this aspect of the invention, thecylindrical body can have an outer surface including frictionalelements, e.g. arranged based on the surface of a football. Thecylindrical body can also include holes along a side of the cylindricalbody and be adapted to be fastened to protrusions of another medicaldevice via the holes. Preferably, the cylindrical body has sufficientrigidity to not bend about a knuckle of a finger when a person flexesthe finger about the knuckle. The body can comprise an anti-fungalagent, and the attachment device can be an elastic band.

In further aspect, the present invention relates to sheath for a digitof a hand or foot which comprises a cylindrical body having a geometryfor fitting around at least a portion of the digit, a pouch on the topside of the cylindrical body, and an insert sized to be placed throughthe opening of the pouch and retained in the pouch, wherein the insertprovides additional rigidity to the sheath. The insert can comprisematerials which retain heat or cold, or which release heat or cold whenactivated. The opening is preferably removably secured in a closedposition by fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, in order tobetter retain an insert. The top side of the pouch and/or the sheath arealso preferably formed from insulating materials.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a medical treatmentthat involves wrapping a first piece of an elastic tape around acircumference of at least two adjacent digits and a knuckle between theat least two adjacent digits of a first finger, and wrapping a secondpiece of the elastic tape around a circumference of a second finger, thesecond finger being adjacent to the first finger. This medical treatmentcan make use of elastic tape that includes a magnetic material. Thetreatment can also further comprise securing the first piece of tape tothe second piece by attaching a backing across the first surface of boththe first piece and the second piece, wherein the backing is disposedproximate a back of the first finger and a back of the second finger.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a back of a hand.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sheath.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a back of a hand having a fingerpartially covered by a sheath that incorporates an insert.

FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away view of the sheath of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of thesheath of FIG. 10.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example onlyand are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown inthese Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood bythose with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, theactual dimensions of any device or part of a device disclosed in thisdisclosure will be determined by their intended use.

DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have themeanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended bythe context in which such term is used.

“Digit” means a finger or toe.

“Plurality” means two or more.

A “set” of items can include one or more of such items.

“Sheath” means a device which at least partially covers and/or supportsa digit of a warm blooded vertebrate, in particular a human. Sheaths canhave the geometry of a hollow cylinder such as a sleeve, with eitheropen ends or one open end and one closed end, or can comprise othergeometries.

The terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”,“involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e.,to mean including but not limited to, and are not intended to excludeother additives, components, integers or steps. Only the transitionalphrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively,are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, with respect to claims.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are tobe construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless theirusage in context indicates otherwise. In addition, the term “and/or”means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives alsoinclude any combination of the listed items.

Sheath Embodiments

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a plan view of the palm 115 of ahand 100 and a sheath 820. As the most common finger injured in physicalsports is the middle finger 140, the sheath 820 is shown disposed arounda circumference of the first digit, first knuckle and the second digitof the middle finger 140. The sheath 820 can have the shape of athimble, a cylinder, a mitt or other geometry.

The sheath 820 can be utilized as a medical device in a variety ofsports. The sheath 820 can provide support to one or more digits and/orone or more knuckles during physical activities. By providing supportand rigidity to one or more fingers, the sheath 820 can protect aperson's finger from further injury.

The sheath 820 can be formed of a flexible sheet of material, forexample, spandex. Spandex is lightweight, durable, soft smooth, supple,and resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents.Moreover, spandex has sufficient flexibility to take the form of afinger when stretched. Because spandex is not very strong, the sheath820 can be formed by wrapping several layers around the middle finger820. Additionally, the density of the spandex can be customized toprovide a stiffness that prevents the first knuckle from bending. Thus,the spandex can be manufactured such that only a single wrap or layercan be needed to provide desired stiffness to at least partiallyimmobilize a portion of a finger.

Additional materials can be selected based on one or more of density,rigidity and modulus of elasticity. For example, the sheath 830 caninclude leather, vinyl, cotton, neoprene or other material.

Because people have different size fingers, the sheath 820 can becustomized for each person. An example of customizing the sheath 820 ismanufacturing the sheath according to ring sizes. Another example ofcustomizing the sheath 820 is providing the sheath 820 in the form of atwo sided tape. The term tape refers to a rolled up strip of long, thinanti narrow material. One side of the tape can include an adhesive orfastener, such as a hook and look type fastener. The other side of thetape can include frictional elements 830, disposed on the outside of themiddle finger 140, analogous to the features of one or more of afootball, a basketball, a volleyball, a rugby ball, a water polo ball, asoccer ball or other sporting device. In order to fully customize thesheath 820, the frictional elements 830 can be spaced along the sheath820 such that one side of the finger includes frictional elements 830and the other side of the sheath 820 provides a surface for attachment.

Examples of frictional elements include integrated bumps, dots, ridges,irregularities, granular elements to match a sporting good, and otherelements. The frictional elements 830 can be incorporated into thesheath 820 during manufacturing or added manually by an athlete. If thesheath 820 has a relatively high coefficient of friction, then anathlete can grip a ball, a stick, a person, or another object withgreater ease than with bare fingers. For example, the frictional surfacecan include small bumps, hooks, protrusions, suction cups or otherfeatures that provide for high friction. Each frictional element can 830be sized, shaped, positioned and characterized (e.g. its stickiness) tocomplement the object to be controlled. For example, an array of dotscan be used as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,956, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, particularly the disclosures regardingfrictional elements 830 and gloves as they can be combined with or usedin the medical devices disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a plan view of the palm 115 of ahand 100 and a sheath 900. As shown, the sheath 900 is formed of a twosided tape wrapped around the pinky finger 120, the ring finger 130 andthe middle finger 140. The sheath 900 can be wrapped tightly around thefinger 120, 130, 140 in order to bind an injured finger to one or moreadjacent fingers. As shown, the ring finger 130 is bound to both themiddle finger 140 and the pinky finger 120. Because the ring finger 130can be generally immobilized by the use of the sheath 900 the ringfinger 130 can be protected from further injury.

Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a plan view of a sheath 200. Thesheath 200 can include a tongue 230 and a body 205. The body 205 caninclude an outer surface 210, an inner surface 270, an opening 250disposed at the top end of the body 205, an opening 260 disposed at thebottom end of the body 205, an aperture 220, a depression 245 and aprotrusion 240.

The term tongue refers to a projecting section of material which extendsfrom a body. The term body refers to the main or structural portion of adevice. The term aperture refers to an opening or open space, such as ahole, gap, cleft, chasm or slit.

The sheath 200 can be manufactured as a unitary device, for example viainjection molding, extrusion, weaving, stitching or other process. Inturn, the sheath 200 can be adapted to fit a single finger or multiplefingers (as shown in the plan view of a hand 100 in FIG. 9). The sheath200 can provide support among adjacent fingers. The sheath 200 can bepermanently or non-permanently attached to, integrated with, orinstalled around a glove covering all or other parts of the hand (notshown). As shown in the plan view of a hand 100 in FIG. 5, a firstsheath 310 on a pinky finger 120 can be adapted to be repeatedlyattached and detached from a second sheath 320 that fits on a ringfinger 320.

The characteristics of the sheath 200 can be selected based upon theobject to be gripped, and how the fingers are to move. Such objectsinclude basketballs, footballs, baseballs, rugby balls, baseball bats,hockey sticks, golf clubs, tennis racquets and table tennis paddles. Forexample, in sports which include bats or sticks, at least one knucklecan need to bend in order to control the sporting device whereas theother knuckle can be immobilized and protected.

The strength and weight of the sheath 200 can be determined based on thematerial that it is manufactured from. Appropriate materials include aplastic, a woven fabric, an elastomer, a rubber, a paper based material,a metal, or combinations of materials. The sheath 200 can include afabric soaked in a resin, which, when removed from a hermetically sealedpackage and unraveled onto a finger, cures into a firm covering, such asa mold or cast. The sheath 200 can be an elastomer, such as latex, thatunravels onto a plurality of fingers.

Examples of polymers include synthetic resins and organic resins.Organic resins can be thermoplastic, which can aid in the spinning,crimping, shaping and bonding of component sections by thermalprocesses. Examples of organic resins include hydrocarbon resins such asvinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polyamides, polyesters,polypropylene or other material. Polymers are inexpensive to manufactureand therefore can be produced for one time usage.

The sheath 200 can be woven from a soft fabric, such as cotton, but canalso have some sections which are firm. Stiffness can be varied bysection by manufacturing a material which has a greater thickness in agiven section or a greater density in a given section. For example, thesheath 200 can include a dense spandex for covering a knuckle, and aless dense cotton to cover the balance of a finger. Thus, the knucklecan be immobilized whereas the balance of the finger is aestheticallydressed. For some professional athletes, a custom device can be producedin order to last several games.

Additionally, to provide support to an athlete's injured finger, asection of the sheath 200 associated with an injured knuckle or digit ofthe injured finger can include a support, such as one or more hardplastic or metal strips or rods (not shown). The support can beselectively attached to the sheath 200 such that an injured athlete canadd additional support as needed.

The body 205 of the sheath 200 can have a geometry that fits over aknuckle and at least a portion of digits of a finger adjacent to theknuckle (not shown). The body 205 can be sufficiently rigid such that aninjured knuckle does not flex when a person attempts to flex the finger.Thus, the body 205 can prevent bending about the knuckle of a finger andallow for healing.

The body 205 can define a first opening 260 disposed proximate thebottom of the sheath 200, a second opening 250 disposed proximate thetop of the sheath 250 and an aperture 220 disposed along a side of thesheath 200. The aperture 220 can be disposed towards the bottom of theside, the top of the side, the middle of the side, the majority of thelength of the side or other configuration. The size of the aperture 220can be based upon the size of a person's fingertip or other dimension. Aperson can stretch or slide the first opening 260 over the tip of afinger (not shown) and then down the finger towards the base of afinger. Another embodiment of the body 205 (not shown) does not includethe second opening 250 but has a closed tip. This embodiment is suited,e.g., for cold weather sports in order to maintain heat in the fingertip.

The aperture 220 can have geometry and dimensions based the size of aperson's fingertip or other dimension. For example, if a person is ableto insert a fingertip into the aperture 220, the person can to pull thesheath 200 down across the finger. Additionally, the aperture 220 canprovide for breathing of skin and reduction in moisture buildup. Anadditional embodiment (not shown) includes a plurality of dispersedsmall apertures to promote cooling and air flow. This embodiment can beselected for sports played in the warm weather and/or when the sheath200 is worn for a prolonged period of time.

When the sheath 200 is in place on a person's finger, the person'sfinger tip can be exposed beyond the second opening 250. In some sports,such as basketball, exposed fingers allow the athlete to better controla ball, as an athlete's fingertips are touch sensitive. In thisembodiment, the sheath not does not need to extend beyond the midpointof the second digit of a finger or the first digit of the thumb in orderto maintain finger-ball contact.

The outer surface 210 of the sheath 200 can include a high coefficientof friction and/or frictional elements. The outer surface 210 caninclude an attachment device or fastener to aid in attaching the sheath200 to another sheath (not shown). Examples of attachment devicesinclude loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps, zippers, slips, combinationsherein or other fasteners.

In order to fasten to another sheath (not shown), the tongue 230 caninclude a first surface 235 which includes hooks that interlock withloops on the another sheath's outer surface (not shown). The firstsurface of the tongue 235 can include an adhesive or a magnetic materialwhich secures the tongue 235 to the another sheath.

The tongue 230 can have a length that allows the athlete to wrap thetongue 230 around two or more sheaths (not shown) thereby securing thesheath 200 to other sheaths (not shown). An additional embodiment canutilize an elastic band (not shown) integral to the body 205 to wraparound and secure the sheath 200 to adjacent sheaths (not shown).

Attachment features can be disposed along the body 205 and/or the tongue230. Attachment features can be disposed proximate the adjacent sectionsof the sheath of one finger to the sheath of the adjacent finger.

As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 240 and depression 245 defineinterlocking members which provide for mechanical fastening between thesheath 200 and an adjacent sheath (not shown). The protrusion 240 canhave the shape of a nipple, tab or other shape. The depression 245 canextend at least partially into the body 205 or be a hole in the body205. The depression 245 and the protrusion 240 can have respectivedimensions such that they interlock with a friction fit, an interferencefit or other fit. Examples of protrusions and depressions includedimples and holes, snaps, pegs and holes, and other male and femalemembers.

Interference fits are characterized by a diametral interference ofapproximately 0.001 to 0.002 units per unit of depression diameter.Friction fits are characterized by diametral interference of less thanapproximately 0.001 to 0.002 units per unit of depression diameter.

In order to maintain an interference fit and/or a friction fit, theprotrusion 240 and the depression 245 can be manufactured with a lowcoefficient of elasticity. In turn, the protrusion and the depression245 can not easily deform or separate. Hard polymers, dense fabrics,metals and other materials can provide these properties.

The inner surface 270 can include an attachment device. For example, ifthe body 205 is formed by a material that is able to be rolled, but notbent axially, the body 205 can be formed by a sheet including one ormore attachment devices. In fact, the inner surface 270 can include anadhesive to secure the body 205 to a person's finger.

The body 205 can be directionally flexible and/or directionally rigiddepending on the type of sport the athlete is playing. For example, insports like lacrosse or hockey, a person holds a stick with the fingerscurved around the stick. If the person's second knuckle is injured, itcan be necessary to immobilize the second knuckle, but allow the firstknuckle to bend. However, due to swelling, the injured finger can have aswelling about the injury that is up to approximately two times thecircumference of the adjacent digit. Therefore, the body 205 can need tostretch axially and radially while being applied to the injured fingerand then provide bending rigidity about the injured section. Moreover,based on the sport, the body 205 can be adapted to provide bendingrigidity along the whole finger, one portion of the finger, or multipleportions of the finger. When holding a bat or stick, the person candesire a single knuckle maintained in a straight set with the otherknuckle having the ability to bend. When playing a game such asbasketball, the entire finger can be restrained from bending. The amountof bending and where bending can or can not occur can be determined by asports physician, a physical therapist, a professional trainer, a nurse,first aid provider, an emergency services provider or other heath careprofessional.

Directional rigidity can be provided by incorporating axially alignedmetal fibers, carbon fibers or other materials in conjunction with apolymer and/or fabric. Such metallic components can allow for magneticproperties. Examples of metallic components include wood, metal orcomposite wires, rods or strips, metal powder loaded polymers, metalfiber loaded polymers and other components.

Additionally, a customized set of one, two, three, four or five sheaths200 can be temporarily or permanently fixed to or inside of a baseballglove, a football glove, a golf glove, a soccer goalie glove, a rugbyglove, a volleyball glove, a wrestling glove, a weight lifting glove, atrack and field glove, a water polo glove, a hockey glove or other glove(not shown).

Physical sports generally result in sweating. Thus, bacteria, mold,fungus and other undesirable microorganisms can attempt to grow on thesheath 200. In order to retard growth of the undesirable microorganisms,the material of which the sheath 200 is manufactured can include or betreated with one or more anti-fungal or anti-bacterial agents.

An example of a chemical that acts both as an anti-bacterial and ananti-fungal agent is an oxy-substituted aromatic arsine such asoxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA). The oxysubstituted aromatic arsine, such asOBPA, is a bacteriostat, disinfectant and fungicide. OBPA prevents thegrowth of microorganisms when compounded in resins and also acts as apreservative. OBPA can be formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate,pelleted, tableted, soluble concentrate/liquid and ready-to-use liquid.OBPA can be incorporated into a polymer or cloth of which the sheath 200is formed.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of the back 110 of ahand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120 and a ring finger130. Disposed around the pinky finger 120 from a first digit to a thirddigit is a first sheath 310. Disposed around a circumference of thefirst digit of the ring finger 130 is a second sheath 320.

The first sheath 310 includes an outer surface 315 and a tongue 330. Thetongue 330 includes a first surface 335. The second sheath 320 includesan outer surface 325. The first surface 335 of the tongue 330 can beadapted to secure the first sheath 310 to the second sheath 320. Forexample, the first surface 335 of the tongue 330 can include anadhesive.

If the first sheath 310 is secured to the second sheath 320, then aninjured pinky finger 120 can be immobilized relative the first digit ofthe ring finger 130. By securing the first sheath 310 to the secondsheath 320, additional strength and control can be exercised in variousmaneuvers. For example, when a basketball athlete attempts to gaincontrol of a basketball via a rebound, if the ball hits a tip of thepinky finger 120, the first sheath 310 and the second sheath 320 canprovide strength amongst the pinky finger 120 and the ring finger 130and distribute the impact among the pinky finger 120 and the ring finger130 and not further injure the pinky finger 120.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a plan view of the back 110 of ahand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120 and a ring finger130. A first sheath 410 is disposed around the pinky finger 120 from thefirst digit to the third digit. A second sheath 420 is disposed aroundthe ring finger 130 about the first digit.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first sheath 410 includes an outersurface 415 which includes a magnetic material and the second sheath 420includes an outer surface 425 which includes a magnetic material. Asshown, the magnetic material of the outer surface 425 of the secondsheath 420 magnetically secures to the outer surface 415 of the firstsheath 410. Magnetic attachment can be utilized where any additionalmaterial or protrusion could improve the player's performance. Forexample, in baseball, a player throwing a baseball can need sheaths thatare thin, fitted specifically to their fingers and do not provide muchbulk between the fingers and the ball.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a plan view of the back 110 of ahand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120, a ring finger 130and a middle finger 140. Disposed around the pinky finger 120 from thefirst digit to the second digit is a first sheath 510. Disposed aroundthe ring finger 130 from the first digit to the second digit is a secondsheath 520. Disposed around the middle finger 140 from the first digitto the second digit is a third sheath 530. The first finger sheath 510,the second finger sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530respectively prevent bending of the first knuckle of the pinky finger120, the ring finger 130 and the middle finger 140.

The first finger sheath 510, the second finger sheath 520 and the thirdfinger sheath 530 can respectively include ridges 515, 525, 535 in theouter surfaces. The first finger sheath 510, the second finger sheath520 and the third finger sheath 530 can be attached to each other via aband 540. The band 540 can wrap around the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530and interlock with the ridges 515, 525, 535 in order to prevent thefinger sheaths 510, 520, 530 from moving relative to each other.Additionally, the band 540 can be elastic member to fit tightly aroundthe finger sheaths 510, 520, 530. In turn, the finger sheaths 510, 520,530 and the band 540 provide protection to the first knuckles of thepinky, ring and middle fingers from jams or other injuries.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a plan view of the back 110 of ahand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120, a ring finger 130and a middle finger 140. Disposed around the pinky finger 120 from thefirst digit to the second digit is a first sheath 510. Disposed aroundthe ring finger 130 from the first digit to the second digit is a secondsheath 520. Disposed around the middle finger 140 from the first digitto the second digit is a third sheath 530. The first finger sheath 510,the second finger sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530respectively prevent bending of the first knuckle of the pinky finger120, the ring finger 130 and the middle finger 140.

The first finger sheath 510, the second finger sheath 520 and the thirdfinger sheath 530 can respectively include axial depressions 515, 525,535 in the outer surfaces. The first finger sheath 510, the secondfinger sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530 can be attached toeach other via a strip 600. The strip 600 can include ridges whichinterlock with the axial depressions 515, 525, 535 in order to preventthe finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 from moving relative to each other.Moreover, the strip 600 can include an adhesive and/or magnetic materialto provide additional binding to the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 suchthat the strip 600 is disposed only on the portion of the finger sheaths510, 520, 530 toward the back 110 of the hand 100. Therefore, the strip600 need not contact a ball when an athlete handles a ball.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a plan view of the palm 115 of ahand 110. The hand 100 includes an index finger 150 and a middle finger140. Disposed around the outside of the index finger 150 and the middlefinger 140 from the respective second digit to the respective thirddigit is a sheath 700. The sheath 700 includes an outer surface 710.

Because the sheath 700 secures the second knuckle of the index finger150 and the second knuckle of the middle finger 140 relative oneanother, injury to second knuckles can be prevented. The outer surface710 can include small suction cups or sticky dots to aid in the handlingof a sports ball such as a football. For example, a wide receiver can beable to catch a pass easier with the sheath 700.

Additionally, by securing one or more sheaths to one or more othersheaths in a relatively fixed position, a predetermined angle can be setfor optimum performance. For example, if the digits of the fingers areset in a general “C” geometry, an athlete can have an advantage whilemanaging a lacrosse stick (not shown). If the digits of the fingers areset in a general “(” geometry, an athlete can have an advantage whilepassing a football (not shown).

Additionally, by securing one or more sheaths to one or more othersheaths in a generally planar geometry, a martial arts practitioner canhave an advantage when striking an opponent or an object due to therigidity amongst the sheaths (not shown).

Detachability and re-attachability can also provide other benefits. Thisincludes replacement of worn sheaths. Also, an athlete can change theappearance of their sheath by replacing one or more sheaths with oneappearance (e.g., color) with sheaths of a different appearance.Moreover, the sheath can include an appealing fragrance or deodorantwhich can increase demand among feminine athletes and/or athletes whoare offended by the smell of dried sweat.

Another benefit of detachability (and re-attachability) is the abilityto conform to varying rules. That is, some rules can allow an opentipped sheath whereas some sports may allow only a closed tipped sheath(not shown). Additionally, some rules may allow for the sheaths to beattached to one another, whereas others may require the sheaths not toattach to one another.

Moreover, rules may permit or prohibit friction enhancing features invarying locations.

The relative position of various parts of the sheath 200 is describedbased upon the view of FIG. 4. For example, terms such as top, bottom,inner, outer, side, left and right are disclosed. However, the platformsheath 200 can be used in various positions such as upside down orinside out. Thus, some descriptive terms are used in relative terms andnot absolute terms.

Although shown implemented with fingers, the apparatus can beimplemented with human toes, and/or fingers and toes of warm bloodedvertebrate pets.

Sheaths with Inserts

In some situations it can be advantageous to provide warmth to a jointand/or to a digit of an athlete or other individual. For example, afinger can become numbingly cold in cold weather, and use of the fingercan become relatively impaired with respect to engaging in a sportingactivity. For sports played in cold weather environments, such asskiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, and sometimes football, this is aparticular issue.

In other situations, cooling of a joint and/or a digit can bebeneficial, for example to reduce swelling and to provide relief frompain and stiffness. Additionally, when injuries first occur in a digit,a health care professional may recommend cooling of the injured area.

In order to provide heating or cooling to a joint and/or to a digit, asappropriate, while maintaining support for the joint and/or digit, thepresent sheaths 200 can be provided with pouches 950 for retaining athermal insert 980. Such pouches can be incorporated into any of theforegoing embodiments of the present sheaths 200, and are preferablypositioned adjacent to an area, such as a joint, which might benefitfrom heating or cooling. The pouch 950 can thereby retain a thermalinsert 980 adjacent to a joint and/or another portion of a digit of anindividual wearing a sheath 200 in order to provide local heating orcooling. Preferably, the insert 980 is retained within a pouch 950directly over an area in need of heating or cooling, such as a joint.

The insert 980 is also preferably maintained within a pouch 950 in asecure manner, either by means of a friction fit within the pouch 950(which can be accomplished through the use of an elastic material toform the pouch 950 and/or the remainder of the sheath 200) or throughthe use of fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, which secure theinsert 980 within the pouch. Thermal inserts 980 are preferablyremovably secured within pouches 950 so that an insert 980 which is nolonger providing sufficient heating or cooling can be removed from thepouch 950 and replaced with another insert 980 or with the same insertafter it has been re-cooled or re-heated (if the design of the insert980 allows for this). However, in embodiments of the present sheath 200which are designed to be used only once, an insert can be permanentlysecured within a pouch 950, such as by being completely stitched withinthe pouch 950 of a sheath 200.

Heat can be provided by a thermal insert 980 in various ways. In oneembodiment, the thermal insert comprises or contains a material whichretains heat and then releases it, such as water, in which case thethermal insert 980 is heated prior to insertion into a sheath 200.Alternatively, a thermal insert 980 can comprise a material or materialswhich generate heat when activated, for example a ferrous or othermaterial that undergoes an exothermic reaction and creates heat when itoxidizes, in which case the thermal insert is generally a single-useitem (i.e., it can be used only one-time). The thermal insert in thisembodiment can comprise one or more compartments which retain the heatgenerating materials in an inactivated state until needed. For example,calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate can be maintained in onecompartment and water in another, and the contents of one compartmentlater combined with the other when heat is desired, such as by breakinga seal or other barrier separating these components, which then undergoan exothermic reaction. Alternatively, a miniature heating coil orelement powered by a lithium-ion battery or other power source can beembedded in the thermal insert 980 and/or in the material of the sheath200 and can be activated via a control, such as a pressure switch, inorder to provide heat.

Cooling can likewise be provided by a thermal insert 980 in variousways. The thermal insert 980 can comprise a material which can be cooledor frozen prior to use and which then absorbs heat when applied, such aswater or a refrigerant gel or liquid. Alternatively, the thermal insert980 can comprise one or materials which undergo an endothermic reactionwhen activated, absorbing heat from their surroundings. Such materialscan be maintained in separate compartments and later combined whencooling is desired, such as by breaking a seal or other barrierseparating these components. For example, water and ammonium nitrate canbe maintained in separate compartments and then combined when cooling isneeded, at which point these components are placed into contact witheach other. Alternatively, ammonium nitrate, sodium acetate trihydrateand an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol can likewise be maintained inseparate compartments until cooling is needed. A commercial cold packcomprising materials of this nature is available as Icy Hot®Pro-Therapy™ Instant Cold Packs, made by Chattem, Inc., Chattanooga,Tenn.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermal inserts 980 comprise a rigid orsemi-rigid material, in order to facilitate the ease of insertion into apouch 950. If the covering for the heating or cooling materials of thethermal insert 980 is not formed from a sufficiently rigid material toallow the insert 980 to be placed in the pouch 950 without the aid of arod or other rigid structure, the covering and thermal material of thethermal insert 980 can be attached to a further more rigid structure.Preferably, the covering of the thermal insert is attached to such astructure only on its sides and/or around its periphery, and thecovering of the thermal insert 980 adjacent to the user's skin (once theinsert 980 is placed in a pouch 950) is not further covered by anadditional structure, so that the structure does not interfere with thetransfer of heat or cooling from the insert 980 to the user's skin. Theamount of rigidity added by the rigid structure can be varied dependingon the amount of rigidity desired by a user or recommended by a medicalpractitioner.

In another embodiment, non-thermal material inserts can be placed in thepouch 950 in order to vary the amount of rigidity (resistance toflexing/bending) of the present sheath 200. Different materials and/orthicknesses of material can be used as such material inserts, with morematerial inserted into the pouch 950 generally resulting in greaterrigidity. Preferably, such material inserts are used in embodiments inwhich a pouch 950 is positioned across the two sides of a joint, asshown in FIGS. 10-12, and the inserts are elongated in shape so as toextend across the joint. When inserts extend across a joint in this way,in particular when positioned on the top side 202 of the sheath 200 soas to overlay the top side of a joint, the rigidity added to the sheath200 by the insert is increased. Inserts used to increase the rigidity ofthe present sheath 200 can be used with the embodiments of the presentsheath 200 in the same way as the thermal inserts 980 described herein.

In a further embodiment, an insert comprising a topical medication orother topical ointment can be inserted into a pouch 950 of the presentsheath 200. In this embodiment, such a topical delivery insert cancomprise a medicated foam pad which carries such a topical ointment, inwhich case the pouch 950 is preferably either open below the insert orcomprises a material having openings between the insert and the skin ofa user, such as the mesh material illustrated in FIG. 11. The materialcarried by an insert in this embodiment can be, for example, a topicalanalgesic, such as trolamine salicylate (found in ASPERCREME topicalanalgesic, available from Chattem, Inc., Chattanooga, Tenn.) or thecomposition sold as ICY HOT comprising methyl salicylate and menthol(also available from Chattem, Inc.). Topical delivery inserts can beused in the present sheath embodiments in the same way as the thermalinserts 980 described herein.

In embodiments comprising a pouch 950 for use with thermal inserts 980,the sheath 200 is preferably formed at least in part from a materialwith insulating characteristics. Preferably, the portion of the sheath200 overlying the area of a digit where cooling or heating is desiredcomprises such an insulating material. A preferred material is NEOPRENEpolychloroprene (available from DuPont Performance Elastomers, LLC,Wilmington, Del.), due both to its insulating characteristics and to itselasticity, as it has a modulus of elasticity which permits the bendingof a digit between an extended state and a retracted state (i.e. when afinger curls, as when forming a fist). In the embodiment of a sheath 200shown in FIGS. 10-12, for example, the upper surface 952 of the pouch950 preferably comprises NEOPRENE polychloroprene in order to lessen theloss of heating or cooling to the atmosphere outside the sheath 200 andto allow bending of the joint 152 beneath the pouch 950. Morepreferably, the remainder of the top side 202 of the sheath 200 (i.e.the portion which covers the back of a digit, opposite the palm side)and/or of the entire sheath is made from this material. Insulatingmaterials preferably provide insulation equivalent to that provided byNEOPRENE polychloroprene which is at least 1 millimeter thick, andpreferably at least 4 millimeters thick.

An embodiment of a sheath 200 comprising a pouch 950 is shown in FIG.10. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch 950 covers a portion of thetop side 202 of the sheath 200, in particular the portion of the sheath200 overlying joint 152. While a single pouch 950 is illustrated in thisfigure, it is to be understood that multiple pouches can be used inother embodiments. Pouches 950 which extend around the circumference ofa digit can also be used. Likewise, pouches 950 can be incorporated intoother embodiments and geometries of a sheath 200, such as a sheath 200having a closed tip in place of the opening 250 in the sheath 200illustrated in FIG. 10.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the pouch 950 is formed by stitching 954around a portion of the periphery of the pouch 950, which is located ina portion of the top side 202 of the sheath 200. The upper surface 952of the pouch 950 in this embodiment thus comprises a portion of the topside 202 of the sheath 200. In these illustrated embodiments, a flap 970is attached to the lower end of the sheath 200 in order to aid inputting on and/or removing the sheath 200 from a digit (index finger 150in FIGS. 10-12).

A pouch opening 960 is provided to allow for the insertion and removalof thermal inserts 980, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Preferably, thepouch opening 260 comprises an top inner surface 962 and a bottom innersurface 964, and these surfaces are provided with a fastener systemwhich allows the pouch opening 960 to be removably secured. Preferablythe top inner surface 962 and bottom inner surface 964 comprise hook andloop fasteners. The use of a sufficiently elastic material to form thepouch 950 and/or other portions of the top side of the sheath 200 maymake it unnecessary to provide a fastening system for the pouch opening260 if inserts 980 are suitably retained in the pouch 950 without such afastening system.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are partial cut-away views of the present embodiment ofa sheath 200 which show the interior of the pouch 950. In the embodimentof FIG. 11, a mesh material 956 attached to the interior of the sheath200 is provided. The mesh material 956 is positioned underneath thepouch 950, and acts as a barrier between the upper portion of the pouch950 and the skin of an individual wearing the sheath. The mesh material956, which can also comprise other material with or without openings,helps to retain the insert within the pouch 950, and can in some casesmodulate the rate at which heating or cooling is transferred between athermal insert 980 and the skin of a user. This can be advantageous insituations in which the thermal insert 980 may initially be hotter orcooler than desired when first activated.

FIG. 12 illustrates a pouch 950 having a rigid support 958 on theinterior of the pouch 950. The rigid support 958 defines a space on theinterior of the pouch 950, and can help to prevent inadvertentactivation of a single-use thermal insert 980 that's been inserted intothe pouch 950. The rigid support 958 can be formed, e.g., of anysuitable rigid material, such as PVC plastic.

In use, an insert 980 is placed in the pouch 950 by opening the pouchopening 960 and placing the insert 980 through this opening 980. If theinsert 980 is a single-use thermal insert, it can be activated eitherprior to insertion into the pouch 950 or afterward. If the insert 980 isbuilt into the pouch 950, it would be activated when needed. Preferably,such single-use thermal inserts are activated through bending or otherflexing of the insert 980, so that when used in a pouch 950 adjacent ajoint, the thermal insert 980 will be activated through the flexing orretraction of the finger on which the sheath 200 is being worn.

In one embodiment, the present sheaths 200 comprising pouches 950 can bedesigned to be worn over a glove on the fingers of an individual, inwhich case such a glove preferably includes an opening (optionallycovered by a flap or other covering which can be removably secured) overwhich the sheath 200, and in particular a pouch 950 of the sheath 200,can be positioned. Preferably such a glove comprises a flapped openingover or near a joint such as a knuckle in order to provide heatingand/or cooling to the joint.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the present sheath 200incorporating pouches 950 described above are not limiting, and thatsuch pouches and the inserts which are useful with these pouches can beincorporated into any of the other embodiments of a sheath or othermedical device which are described herein.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Sheath Having a Pouch

A sheath having the design shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is constructedhaving a top side (opposite the palm side) made from NEOPRENEpolychloroprene which is between 1 and 4 millimeters thick. The interiorof the sheath below the pouch is provided with a rubberized stickylining to prevent the sheath from inadvertently sliding off a finger inthe presence of perspiration or other water source.

The bottom side (palm side) of the sheath is formed from terry cloth,i.e. a cotton fabric with a moisture-absorbing loop pile covering, toprovide optimal absorption of perspiration and an optimal grippingplatform.

Example 2 Use of a Sheath Comprising Different Materials

A sheath is provided having a top surface and a bottom surface made fromdifferent materials. One surface comprises a material that is thickerand less flexible or elastic than the other surface to provide anindividual with more (or less) support as desired.

An individual having an injury in a digit wears the foregoing sheatharound the injured digit so that the thicker material is positioned onthe palm side of the finger, creating a maximal flex resistance. Oncethe injury has subsided, the sheath is worn by the individual such thatthe thinner material is positioned on the palm side, thereby providinggreater flexibility.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative and not limiting,having been presented by way of example only. Although examples havebeen shown and described, it will be apparent to those having ordinaryskill in the art that changes, modifications, and/or alterations can bemade. Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on theapparatus and methods disclosed or claimed.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in theclaims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote anypriority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or thetemporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are usedmerely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain namefrom another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinalterm) to distinguish the claim elements.

This patent incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/743,674 filed Mar. 22, 2006, which discloses devicesand features which can be combined with or complementary to thosedescribed herein.

1-36. (canceled)
 37. A sheath for a finger, the sheath having an outersurface, a top side and a bottom side, comprising: a flexiblecylindrical body shaped to fit around a joint of the finger; a pouch onthe cylindrical body, the pouch being adjacent to the joint when thesheath is worn on the finger; and a thermal insert retained in thepouch, wherein the outer surface of at least the bottom side of thesheath comprises a frictional surface for gripping objects.
 38. Thesheath of claim 37, wherein the frictional surface comprises frictionalelements, the frictional elements optionally being bumps, dots, orridges.
 39. The sheath of claim 38, wherein the frictional elements arearranged based on the surface of a basketball.
 40. The sheath of claimsclaim 38, wherein the frictional elements are arranged based on thesurface of a volleyball.
 41. The sheath of claims claim 38, wherein thefrictional elements are arranged based on the surface of a football. 42.The sheath of any of claims 37, wherein the thermal insert comprises amaterial which retains heat or cold.
 43. The sheath of any of claims 37,wherein the thermal insert comprises a material which releases heat whenactivated.
 44. The sheath of claim 43, wherein the material is a ferrousmaterial adapted to oxidize and thereby generate heat.
 45. The sheath ofany of claims 37, wherein the insert comprises a material which releasescold when activated.
 46. The sheath of any of claims 37, wherein thethermal insert provides additional rigidity to the sheath.
 47. Thesheath of any of claims 37, wherein the pouch comprises an opening, andwherein the thermal insert is sized to be placed through the opening andto be retained in the pouch.
 48. The sheath of claim 47, wherein theopening is removably secured in a closed position by fasteners.
 49. Thesheath of any of claims 37, wherein the top side and the bottom side ofthe sheath are formed from different materials, and wherein the top sideof the sheath is formed from an insulating material.
 50. The sheath ofany of claims 37, wherein the cylindrical body is formed from a polymercomprising an anti-bacterial agent.
 51. The sheath of any of claims 37,wherein the cylindrical body is formed from a polymer comprising ananti-fungal agent.
 52. The sheath of any of claims 37, wherein the pouchfurther comprises a topical ointment.